Help Shawn Ride Tandem
Donation protected
Shawn is a 17 year old with microcephaly, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and severely delayed development. His step-mom, Cassandra, is a newly graduated veterinarian, and father, Jeremy, an actuary for a small consulting firm. Shawn's twin brother will be graduating high school this year and heading off to college soon. So, some of Cassandra's co-workers decided to put his page together and help make this dream a reality.
Cassandra and Jeremy were told he would never be able to walk, but against all odds at age 5, with the help of leg braces, he learned to walk. He is now very mobile as far as walking on flat surfaces. Although he is capable of walking on other terrain, he is fearful of small steps like curbs and hesitates to change from one surface to another. Shawn is still mostly non-verbal and only says a few words, to signify his very favorite things. These include “I eat”, “bob” (for spongebob) and “bus”. He is very dependent on others for all of his daily needs and requires assistance with bathing, dressing, bathroom routines, and some assistance with feeding as well.
Instead of letting his disabilities hold him back, his parents have been able to encourage him to try new things. Because of an organization called Extra Special People in Watkinsville, he has done some awesome things. Shawn loves being on the go and is very blessed to have all of the opportunities he has had during camp, which has given him a fearless attitude. He recently went on his first ever roller coaster at six flags with ESP and he loved it!
Cassandra and Jeremy are looking for a way to continue Shawn's active lifestyle and keep him on the go during the school year. Over the years, as he gets bigger and heavier, they have become more sedentary with him. It is difficult to find affordable things to do as a family that allow them to be outside together. They found their answer several years ago at a disability expo in Atlanta where Shawn had the opportunity to ride a tandem bike made by Freedom Concepts. Unlike other tandem bikes for disabled children, this bike allows him to assist with peddling, so that he isn’t just strapped in as a passenger. Cassandra bikes to work almost every day, so she is very aware of the amazing freedom it gives. They have been searching diligently for a way to include him in that joy. Since trying the Freedom tandem bike several years ago, they have attended the disability expo in Atlanta every year just to give him the opportunity to ride it.
Jeremy and Cassandra are asking for help to get a bicycle for Shawn. These bikes are by no means inexpensive but the benefits of having one outweigh the costs. Giving him a bike will not only help strengthen his muscles and improve the range of motion in his legs (making things like bending his legs to put his shorts on and reaching his toes to Velcro his shoes easier), but also give him more confidence to move around without being fearful of falling. Although it is a tricycle, it will help with his sense of balance and help in the development of core muscle. Sitting upright will make him stronger so he can be less fearful of uneven surfaces and shifting his weight.
So lets help give Shawn a bike so that they can be active as a family, and enjoy the great outdoors!
Cassandra and Jeremy were told he would never be able to walk, but against all odds at age 5, with the help of leg braces, he learned to walk. He is now very mobile as far as walking on flat surfaces. Although he is capable of walking on other terrain, he is fearful of small steps like curbs and hesitates to change from one surface to another. Shawn is still mostly non-verbal and only says a few words, to signify his very favorite things. These include “I eat”, “bob” (for spongebob) and “bus”. He is very dependent on others for all of his daily needs and requires assistance with bathing, dressing, bathroom routines, and some assistance with feeding as well.
Instead of letting his disabilities hold him back, his parents have been able to encourage him to try new things. Because of an organization called Extra Special People in Watkinsville, he has done some awesome things. Shawn loves being on the go and is very blessed to have all of the opportunities he has had during camp, which has given him a fearless attitude. He recently went on his first ever roller coaster at six flags with ESP and he loved it!
Cassandra and Jeremy are looking for a way to continue Shawn's active lifestyle and keep him on the go during the school year. Over the years, as he gets bigger and heavier, they have become more sedentary with him. It is difficult to find affordable things to do as a family that allow them to be outside together. They found their answer several years ago at a disability expo in Atlanta where Shawn had the opportunity to ride a tandem bike made by Freedom Concepts. Unlike other tandem bikes for disabled children, this bike allows him to assist with peddling, so that he isn’t just strapped in as a passenger. Cassandra bikes to work almost every day, so she is very aware of the amazing freedom it gives. They have been searching diligently for a way to include him in that joy. Since trying the Freedom tandem bike several years ago, they have attended the disability expo in Atlanta every year just to give him the opportunity to ride it.
Jeremy and Cassandra are asking for help to get a bicycle for Shawn. These bikes are by no means inexpensive but the benefits of having one outweigh the costs. Giving him a bike will not only help strengthen his muscles and improve the range of motion in his legs (making things like bending his legs to put his shorts on and reaching his toes to Velcro his shoes easier), but also give him more confidence to move around without being fearful of falling. Although it is a tricycle, it will help with his sense of balance and help in the development of core muscle. Sitting upright will make him stronger so he can be less fearful of uneven surfaces and shifting his weight.
So lets help give Shawn a bike so that they can be active as a family, and enjoy the great outdoors!
Organizer
Nicole Kobler Rumohr
Organizer
Winder, GA